Groundhog Mountain, Mile Post 188.8

Green is the color for this BRP stop.

Late evening, just before dusk. With a nice picnic area, I took this photo from the top of an observation tower constructed to look like an old tobacco barn. Steven and I were amazed at the old-time wood rail fences that enclose the park. It felt like we stepped out of time.

Asheville to Galax, VA

Blue skies, light hearts...

Just back from an overnighter, roundtrip from Asheville, NC to Galax, VA. We took the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way up. It was a spectacular ride! Ending our trip just before dusk, we were just about the only ones on the road from Boone, NC to the stateline.

Each corner was a new surprise.

Lots of small deer & wild turkeys, almost close enough to touch. Rolling meadows and farms with bulls and cows. Rhododendron and wildflowers are in full bloom. The air is cool, crisp, clean.

I try to capture it all with my digital camera, but can't. Overlooking the timeless countryside, we decide that the path of American history still resonates and that sweet Virginia recalls Steven's childhood memories.

Coming back we dodged the rain and caught the rolling mist through Mt. Mitchell. The golden sun radiated the clouds with the surreal glow of life, love, God... and my spirit chants: I'm alive, I'm alive...

Red & Blue Boys

Joseph & Steven are loving it...

Beauty, Everywhere You Look

Every tree is a miracle...

Hominy Valley

The weather has not been cooperating with our desire to ride. We can't complain about the T-showers because we need the rain. Yesterday evening we did take an hour ride through the backroads of our Candler neighborhood, nearby Hominy Valley.

So much beauty. With lilies a-bloom and queen anne's lace at every turn, we rode through meadow and farm land, along a winding creek with the blue sky and clouds glowing with the sun's last light. The gentle sway of the tall corn stalks tickled my heart.

Early Morning Ride

On the way to Hot Springs, NC...
So many different greens.
Another beautiful ride.

"All you need is a mustard seed of riding in you. The rest will take care of itself." ~ Shephen Rhino Williams

We got up with the sun again and drove 80 miles without having a car in front of us. We took HWY 74 through Canton then explored Crabtree Road, Route 209.

I love this time of day. Everything is so beautiful. We had breakfast in Hot Springs and were back home before noon.